From 1309 to 1376, there was a period of time where the popes were relocated to Avignon called the Babylonian Captivity, which reformed and decreased the church's power and prestige at that time. It started when Philip the Fair of France pressured Pope Clement V to settle and live in Avignon (in southeastern France), and due to Clements illness, he was too weak to resist the demand. This relocation of the Pope not only damaged papal prestige, but weakened the economy of Rome. The historic roots of the church had always been centered on Rome. Now with the absence of the papacy, the economy of Rome which was once based on the presence of the papal court and the rich tourist trade that papacy brought was left poverty-stricken. In 1377, Pope Gregory XI brought the papacy back to Rome, however when he died shortly thereafter and Roman citizens demanded an Italian pope as his successor. Unanimously, a distinguished administrator, the archbishop of Bari took power as Pope Urban VI (1378-1389). He had excellent intentions for church reform however proposed and upheld them in the wrong manner for Roman society. His tactless manners, irrational behavior and harsh temper led to decreased popularity and major opposition towards the Pope. The Roman cardinals, suffering from severe criticism and opposition of Pope Urban held a meeting in Anagni where they proceeded to elect Cardinal Robert of Geneva as Antipope Clement VII. This began the Great Schism which until 1417 divided Western Christendom. .
The Conciliar Movement.
The conciliar movement was an effort to reform church authority from that of the papacy to general councils and representation of all Christian people. Conciliarists believed that church reform would best be achieved through periodic assemblies and general councils that gave each Christian the power to speak out in their opinion, rather than a monarchial power making all of the decisions for them.
